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Zimbabwean musician Prince Musarurwa dies at 31

Zimbabwean Afro-jazz musician Prince Musarurwa died at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital in the country's north on Saturday evening. He was 31.

Prince Musarurwa.

According to a number of Zimbabwean publications, the singer and mbira player had succumbed to a long battle with lung cancer. The news was confirmed by a family relative.

Musarurwa, who was the grandson of the late composer August Musarurwa, shot to fame in 2013 when he was featured on the hit song ‘Runonzi Rudo’ by Pah Chihera. The musician is known for producing a number of hits and four albums during his career, including Kurarama (2011), Gara Muberevere (2012), Gogodera (2013) and Chiga Chikuru (2014). He was working on a fifth studio offering before his death.

Tributes and condolences were pouring in following the news of the musician’s death.

“We wish to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Afro-jazz musician, Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa, who passed on last night. The music industry is poorer without you. Rest in peace,” Zimbabwean political party Movement for Democratic Change said on Twitter.

Fellow Zimbabwean musicians also took to social media to express their condolences.

“So sad we have lost another talented young man Prince Musarurwa, we have been robbed as an industry," singer Mudiwa Hood wrote. "We know what you went through fighting cancer bro… Rest In Peace fam, you left footprints in our hearts and in music… Fambai Murugare Sinyoro.”

Music producer Clive 'Mono' Mukundu wrote: “RIP PRINCE KUDA MUSARURWA. God’s band in heaven has become stronger, ours has been weakened… Just hearing the sad news of the passing of mbira player & songwriter Prince Kudakwashe Musarurwa. He is one young man who was genuinely in love with his culture, part of a group of young people involved in a silent revolution of bringing back pride in our African Roots."

Zimbabwean radio personality Larry Kwirirayi said: “For many who used to hang out at the Book Cafe, they will remember him as a colourful and very likeable character who often performed at the venue. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, musically, and was often seen carrying his mbira instrument.”

The late musician will be laid to rest in Zvimba District on Tuesday, according to Zimbabwean media.

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